Restart Reality

Restart Reality is your launchpad for AI-powered filmmaking.

We help creators, entrepreneurs, and storytellers bring their visions to life using the latest AI tools—no big budgets or studios required. From cinematic trailers to impactful ads, our courses and content make modern filmmaking accessible, fast, and fun.

This is more than a platform. It’s a movement.
Welcome to the future of storytelling. Welcome to Restart Reality.

Meet our team

David Brooks Restart Reality CEO

David Brooks

CEO / Founder
Storyline Commander

David Brooks is a filmmaker and digital strategist with a strong foundation in video production from his years at top marketing agencies. 

He’s led the creation of compelling ad videos, brand stories, and campaign visuals that drove results for major clients.  Beyond the agency world, David has produced impactful video content regarding the Bible, poverty and virtual reality, blending technology with meaning.

As founder of Restart Reality, he’s on a mission to make modern filmmaking accessible—teaching creators how to craft powerful stories using AI tools, without the barriers of traditional, expensive software.

Janice Tolkamp Restart Reality COO

Janice Tolkamp

COO / Events & Partnerships Director
Commander of Collaborations 

Janice Tolkamp is a multidisciplinary creative and operations leader with deep experience in design, production, and immersive media. At Linus Media Group, she served as an interior designer, contributing to the company's visual and spatial aesthetics.

As a Virtual Reality Artist, she has produced immersive VR content that bridges art and technology. Janice's background includes roles as an artist and art instructor, reflecting her commitment to creative expression and education.

As Chief Operating Officer and Events & Partnerships Director at Restart Reality, she brings a unique blend of artistic vision and operational expertise, driving the company's mission to make AI-powered filmmaking accessible and impactful.

Ryan Mitchell

Curriculum Architect
Curriculum Composer

Ryan is the mastermind behind our course design. He develops the curriculum blueprints that guide students through powerful, hands-on learning experiences using cutting-edge AI tools.

His work ensures every course delivers clear outcomes, creative challenges, and practical storytelling skills.

By aligning real-world applications with educational flow, he helps shape Restart Reality into a transformative journey for creators of the future.

Lauren Hayes

Director of Product
Head of Impactful Products

Lauren leads the vision and execution of Restart Reality’s course ecosystem. She oversees product development from concept to launch, ensuring each program is impactful, innovative, and student-centered.

Working closely with the curriculum and tech teams, she ensures every course delivers maximum value.

Her role bridges education, user experience, and continuous innovation to create unforgettable learning journeys that prepare students for real-world creative careers.

Vanessa Sullivan Resstart Reality

Vanessa Sullivan

Email Marketing & Automation Specialist
 Automation & Outreach Engineer

Vanessa designs and manages Restart Reality’s email marketing systems to keep students engaged, informed, and inspired.

She builds automated campaigns that guide learners through each phase of their journey—from sign-up to success.

Whether it’s onboarding sequences, course reminders, or re-engagement flows, Vanessa ensures every message is timely, relevant, and aligned with our brand voice. Her work turns email into a seamless, supportive part of the learning experience.

Brendan Fletcher Restart Reality

Brendan Fletcher

Business Development Manager
Alliances Architect

Brendan leads our outreach and growth strategy, forging new partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities for Restart Reality.

He connects with industry leaders, brands, and educational institutions to build pathways that benefit our students and expand our impact.

His work drives strategic relationships that lead to sponsorships, licensing deals, and joint ventures, helping us grow while staying rooted in our mission to empower creative professionals.

Jenna Bennett

Accounting Manager
Chief of Clear Books

Jenna keeps our financial engine running smoothly.

She manages everything from budgeting and bookkeeping to forecasting and financial reporting. Her role ensures that Restart Reality stays on solid financial footing while planning for sustainable growth.

With a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of financial systems, she supports strategic decisions and keeps us compliant, efficient, and well-prepared for every phase of expansion.

Megan Chambers Restart Reality

Megan Chambers

Instructional Designer
Learning Experience Designer

Megan brings our curriculum to life through engaging, interactive learning experiences. She transforms course objectives into structured modules filled with dynamic lessons, activities, and assessments.

Her work ensures that content is clear, creative, and aligned with real-world outcomes.

By integrating educational best practices with modern tools and storytelling, Megan helps students stay motivated and achieve their learning goals at every stage of their journey.

David Brooks Restart Reality CEO

David Brooks

CEO / Founder
Storyline Commander

David Brooks is a filmmaker and digital strategist with a strong foundation in video production from his years at top marketing agencies. 

He’s led the creation of compelling ad videos, brand stories, and campaign visuals that drove results for major clients.  Beyond the agency world, David has produced impactful video content regarding the Bible, poverty and virtual reality, blending technology with meaning.

As founder of Restart Reality, he’s on a mission to make modern filmmaking accessible—teaching creators how to craft powerful stories using AI tools, without the barriers of traditional, expensive software.

Janice Tolkamp Restart Reality COO

Janice Tolkamp

COO / Events & Partnerships Director
Commander of Collaborations 

Janice Tolkamp is a multidisciplinary creative and operations leader with deep experience in design, production, and immersive media. At Linus Media Group, she served as an interior designer, contributing to the company's visual and spatial aesthetics.

As a Virtual Reality Artist, she has produced immersive VR content that bridges art and technology. Janice's background includes roles as an artist and art instructor, reflecting her commitment to creative expression and education.

As Chief Operating Officer and Events & Partnerships Director at Restart Reality, she brings a unique blend of artistic vision and operational expertise, driving the company's mission to make AI-powered filmmaking accessible and impactful.

Ryan Mitchell

Curriculum Architect
Curriculum Composer

Ryan is the mastermind behind our course design. He develops the curriculum blueprints that guide students through powerful, hands-on learning experiences using cutting-edge AI tools.

His work ensures every course delivers clear outcomes, creative challenges, and practical storytelling skills.

By aligning real-world applications with educational flow, he helps shape Restart Reality into a transformative journey for creators of the future.

Lauren Hayes

Director of Product
Head of Impactful Products

Lauren leads the vision and execution of Restart Reality’s course ecosystem. She oversees product development from concept to launch, ensuring each program is impactful, innovative, and student-centered.

Working closely with the curriculum and tech teams, she ensures every course delivers maximum value.

Her role bridges education, user experience, and continuous innovation to create unforgettable learning journeys that prepare students for real-world creative careers.

Vanessa Sullivan Resstart Reality

Vanessa Sullivan

Email Marketing & Automation Specialist
 Automation & Outreach Engineer

Vanessa designs and manages Restart Reality’s email marketing systems to keep students engaged, informed, and inspired.

She builds automated campaigns that guide learners through each phase of their journey—from sign-up to success.

Whether it’s onboarding sequences, course reminders, or re-engagement flows, Vanessa ensures every message is timely, relevant, and aligned with our brand voice. Her work turns email into a seamless, supportive part of the learning experience.

Brendan Fletcher Restart Reality

Brendan Fletcher

Business Development Manager
Alliances Architect

Brendan leads our outreach and growth strategy, forging new partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities for Restart Reality.

He connects with industry leaders, brands, and educational institutions to build pathways that benefit our students and expand our impact.

His work drives strategic relationships that lead to sponsorships, licensing deals, and joint ventures, helping us grow while staying rooted in our mission to empower creative professionals.

Jenna Bennett

Accounting Manager
Chief of Clear Books

Jenna keeps our financial engine running smoothly.

She manages everything from budgeting and bookkeeping to forecasting and financial reporting. Her role ensures that Restart Reality stays on solid financial footing while planning for sustainable growth.

With a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of financial systems, she supports strategic decisions and keeps us compliant, efficient, and well-prepared for every phase of expansion.

Megan Chambers Restart Reality

Megan Chambers

Instructional Designer
Learning Experience Designer

Megan brings our curriculum to life through engaging, interactive learning experiences. She transforms course objectives into structured modules filled with dynamic lessons, activities, and assessments.

Her work ensures that content is clear, creative, and aligned with real-world outcomes.

By integrating educational best practices with modern tools and storytelling, Megan helps students stay motivated and achieve their learning goals at every stage of their journey.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Launch your AI film career! We connect you with top studios and agencies worldwide, opening doors to exciting roles.

ONLINE EVENTS

Level up your skills with live workshops, webinars, and networking events led by industry experts. Expand your knowledge and connections.

PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT
AI-generated 3D animated girl in a cozy knit hat reading a book on a bench surrounded by falling autumn leaves, demonstrating seasonal mood and character warmth in AI animation

Build a stunning portfolio of AI film projects that showcases your talent and gets you hired. Impress potential employers.

VIBRANT COMMUNITY

Connect with fellow filmmakers, share ideas, and collaborate on exciting projects in a supportive and inspiring network.

TOOLS & WORKFLOWS

Master the latest AI tools and industry-standard workflows for streamlined and efficient film production.

COMPETITIONS

Showcase your work, gain recognition, and win prizes! Participate in our AI film competitions and boost your career.

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